A Baptism, Hard Meetings and Good News.........

"We plough the fields, and scatter the good seed on the land, but it is fed and watered by God's almighty hand."  Wayne has a motto with this saying on his desk and I've been thinking of it quite a bit recently that we don't need to worry so much about numbers and how much our labors yield. That is in God's hands. All He wants from us is faithfulness in planting the seed.  Somehow that helps me relax and not feel so pressured.

  How exciting it is to have Miss Jess here!  For those of you who don't know her, she was Vanessa's school teacher back home and an important part of church and school in Wytheville.  Her family lived here in Kenya a number of years ago so this is kind of like coming "home" for her.  She brought one of her good friends along, April Mast, and they have been making themselves useful here in the compound this week.  They are definitely not afraid of work!  

  Monday morning we ladies were invited to Steve's carport for a tea party.  And what wonderful treats we had!  Fresh squeezed juice, and lemon grass tea, as well as delicious pastries of different kinds.  We had a blest time together laughing and even crying together. 

  Tuesday eve. we enjoyed hosting Steve's, Jess, April, Charity, Carolyn, and Stacy at our house for the evening meal consisting of barbecued chicken and oven fried potatoes.  I didn't need to make dessert since a farewell was planned for Steve's on the lane afterward.  We had coke and fanta floats, made with homemade ice cream!  The youth had a very lively game of volleyball that eve.  We miss Steve's now that they left for America. Their enthusiasm for the work here was much appreciated and gave us renewed courage.  We welcomed Mark Beachy's back to Kenya but don't get to see them much since they live in another compound out close to their church.  

   Bible study Wed. was at Elizabeth's house and fairly well attended.  As is custom, we ladies go outside or in another house to eat after the Bible study and the men stay in the house.  I'm always so glad to get outside and get a nice cool breeze after being stuck inside for so long!  Wednesday eve. we ladies were treated again to some delicious food prepared by Marlin's daughter Janette.  She planned a very nice Birthday party for her mom out on their lawn and we enjoyed the food and fellowship very much!!  Its possible to make some really nice delicacies here but I think it just takes more time and effort here than it does at home.  

  On Friday the pastors and some brothers from each church headed to Kaptembwa in Nakuru for our Christian Believers Fellowship Society's Annual General Meeting.  We are required to be registered as a society with the government of Kenya.  You can help us pray that renewal will go smoothly.  Some years it has been a bit difficult.

  On Saturday Jess took all the compound girls to a big pool to go swimming.  The weather was beautiful and sunny and they came home with more sun on their faces.  They had a "visitor" at the pool who stole their cookies!!  Once when Clarissa was out of the pool by some of the tables she was amazed to see a monkey coming to where some of the food was!  She ran toward it waving her arms to scare him away but quick as a wink he grabbed the bag of cookies and left.  He went down over a bank and then dropped the cookies.  There was a hole in the bag but they were still able to eat and enjoy the cookies. :)  They saw more monkeys later on.  I guess its not surprising that monkeys are in that area because Impala Park is next door to the hotel where the pool is.

  Wayne had a heavy load this past week.  There was a meeting planned for Saturday morning because of some serious accusations by one of our sisters against one of the brothers in Church.  Oh how it hurts to hear things like this and just not know for sure if you can believe what is being said.  Historically there is much lying and so many "hidden" sins to deal with in these churches. (Lying in many cases; especially to protect someones honor, is culturally viewed as  acceptable) Wayne and I both hate conflict and would rather just ignore things but of course that won't make the problems go away, so we need to face the challenges "head on" with the help of God.  The meeting went fair I think but then Wayne needed to go investigate some more along with support and help from some native pastors.  We're feeling a bit better about things but we know relationships are still far from being what they should be.  The relationship issue is between a man who years ago "inherited" this woman who is bringing the accusations.  They were together for quite some time. He says the "inherited" woman had HIV and tried to keep that hidden from him.  Now he is HIV positive and his real wife is negative. There is much more to the current issue but this gives you a small glimpse into some of the things faced in our culture here. What a huge mess is made when people don't follow God's way of "one man, and one woman".  Polygamy is a big issue here and causes much heartache. HIV has taken the lives of many men especially, leaving a lot of widows and fatherless children. Please pray that these people can let go of the past and have a new beginning with Christ as their role model.  

  We had a special service today...  Seraphina was baptized and Maureen was reinstated as a full member.  Attendance was great today and people seemed happy with adding new members.  Bishop Marlin was there to take charge of the Baptism and he preached for us as well which gave Wayne a nice break!!  After church we were invited to Marlins for a nice lunch along with Jess and April.  

  One of the uppermost things on our minds now is the wonderful news we heard last week!!  Replacements have FINALLY been found for Marlin Stoltzfus's after a year of looking for someone who is willing to come!!  And guess who??!!!  I feel like I'm dreaming but its my own dear sister, Glenda, and her husband Joe, and sweet little Tiffany!!  And they will even be living next door to us!!!  Oh it feels like a dream!  I'm only feeling so bad for my mom and dad and the rest of the family at home!!  I'm not sure how I'm so blessed to have them here... but thank GOD!!  He's the one who did the "calling" and NO we did NOT give their name to the board as a suggestion!! :)  I tried hard to stay very neutral and out of it while they were making their decision because I wanted this whole thing to be from God and not because of pressure from us.  I don't know how well we did but anyway we look forward to their arrival in April.  Pray for them... the responsibility looks BIG to them!!   Blessings to all of you,  Clara

Pics by Wayne

  "When you are going through something hard and wonder where GOD is, Remember... the teacher is always quiet during the test."

Lake Victoria at Kiboko Bay

Pastors Meeting at Kiboko Bay.  Thanks Steve!

Visiting with little "visitors" at Maurice's

Gathering firewood!

Real girls don't need strollers!

My friend Maxwell at the Chapati Shop

CBF Annual General Meeting at Kaptembwa on Friday

Church this morning

Seraphines baptism

Welcome into the church!

On the way home today!  Who needs a truck when you have a piki!

Parties, Visits and Funerals

  Greetings to all who are experiencing winter wonderland!!  And Hello to the rest of you as well! :)  Its really hard to imagine snow right now while we are enjoying warm, sunny weather!  Its uncomfortably warm sometimes but thats ok because at least it cools off nicely evenings.  I would like to have one day where we're snowed in and sitting cozy by the fireplace but then I would want to come right back to this weather. :)

   We are enjoying Miss Jess's presence here in Kisumu!!  How exciting!  It feels like there is actually someone here from Home Sweet Home!  And we look forward to more visitors in the next several months.  It will be hard to see Steve and Martha leave already this week!!  Their time here seemed to have flown by on wings.  They have been a real blessing to us.  Their enthusiasm for the work here tends to be contagious, and gives us the boost we need to keep on keeping on.

  Last Sunday eve. found us congregated in Steve's carport where we were served some WONDERFUL American food and great hospitality! The lunch meats and cheeses were a sight for sore eyes and tasted SO good!!  There were bugles, combos, pickles, as well as cakes, ice cream with toppings... even oreos!!  and waffle cones!  Oh my!  What a feast!  I hope God blesses Steve's real well for sharing with us.

   On Monday eve. Miss Charity's students had a Dr. Seuss party in Steve's carport.  It was in honor of all the students who were on honor roll or merit roll, which included everyone. The different costumes were hilarious!!  We ladies had a little get together that evening as well.  Martha showed us different exercises you can do to keep your body lined up right and in good working order.  It was a fun evening and I think it will be very helpful for those of us who don't have access to a chiropractor here.  

  Tues. morning I sewed some curtains for one of the guest rooms.  The old ones were very much in need of retiring and it was fun to see how much better we can make it look in there.  Later in the day Wayne, Bradlyn, and I went to visit Eunice.  Poor lady... she seems to have so many ailments and complained of having no food.  I hope we encouraged her... its SO hard to know how much to give sometimes!  The children from that dala were not as respectful as most children are.  They were rather loud and bold, and piled into our van without asking.  Oh well... at least not all our visits are like that one.  

  Wed. we went Maurice and Caroline's house for Bible study.  The turnout was fair and we were served rice!!  From there we went to a neighbor, Vincent's house, who is also a member and has been sick.  We sang for him and read a Scripture.  He seemed SO happy to see us! The trail back to these houses was very muddy and we had a wild ride in the van... but praise God we didn't quite get stuck!

  Thursday was so nice because I got to stay home all day!!  In the evening we had prayer meeting at Steve's carport.  The singing sounds lovely and is always so refreshing for me. One of the things I miss the most about church services at home is the beautiful singing!!  

   Friday Wayne, Bradlyn, and I as well as Marlin, Lavina, and Jerolin, and Lavina's mother, Hannah, were invited to Zilpa's house.  We were served chapatis and green grams, which is some kind of vegetable cooked with onions, tomatoes, and seasonings.  I LOVE it!!  I really need to learn how to make it because it would make a nice side dish.  We did some singing and shared together.  When Zilpa found out that Marlins will be leaving before long she just cried! And then I had to cry a bit too. Partings are so hard and I feel so bad for these dear people who come to love and appreciate their Bishop.  But that is part of life. Zilpa shared something with us that day that made us very sad and our hearts heavy.  It was a bad report about one of our members and we are hoping SO much that its not true!!  Please pray for Wayne as he has to go check out the report now.  These things are so tough! On Fri. afternoon Miss Jess arrived and then Tony, Judith, and Ayla arrived as well as Joe Fisher. Jamie stayed in Nakuru. Tonys and Joe did a food drop or some other  project that day so they came here for the night. Tony's felt like eating at the Chinese restaurant that evening so we joined them and had a great meal!! The food is excellent!!!!  

   The Sunday morning service went well today.  Wayne continued sharing on the verse about "Blessed are they that mourn."  There is so much that can be taken from that Scripture. After the service Wayne and most of the church folks went down the road to where a very large crowd had gathered for the burial of Zipros.  Carolyn, the children and I came home right after church and Wayne came later by matatu.  People were giving testimonies when Wayne got there and he was asked to share something too.  I'm not sure what he said but its certainly a good opportunity to witness for our Lord in a large crowd where there are so many different churches represented.  

  Wayne printed out a quote for me the other day that I would like to hang on the bathroom wall.  I think its very fitting for Kenya!  "Wash your hands and say your prayers, because Jesus and germs are everywhere." :)  I'm SO thankful for God's protection on us from bad disease and sickness so far.  And His protection on these roads is such a blessing too.  Please don't stop praying!!  You are also doing Kingdom work as you remember us and many other missionaries in prayer.  We're depending on you!  God bless!  Clara

Singing and Prayer at Zipro's dala last Sunday

American "party" at Steve's

Cake Clarissa decorated for Carolyn

Thing 1 and Thing 2!

Brad and Co. at Eunice's house

Clara and Eunice

Notice the flag on the Tuk Tuk!!

Brad the mason at Steve's

Neighbor children enjoying the leftovers after Bible Study at Maurice's

Leaving Maurice's dala

Reading the Bible to Jaduong Vincent

"Introduction" in Kisumu

Prayer Meeting power outage.  (Kenya Power not God's!)

Zilpa's dala

Brad and Jerolin washing for lunch

Mama Zilpa and Mama Hannah

What a blast!  Going for bajia's with Tommy!  (Seasoned and fried, sliced potatoes)

Cupcake decorating class with "Aunt" Becky

Way to go, John!  Drag that Ford!

Brad and Ayla in  downtown Kisumu

Yoder Woodcrafters of Kenya (That swing just didn't sit right :) )

Zipro's Funeral today

I just couldn't resist this one!! "partly cloudy, mostly dry, exact same minute" but the temperature is swapped!  Pole' for ya'll!!

"Be faithful in the little things, for in them our strength lies. To the good God nothing is little, because He is so great and we are so small."  I like this quote by Mother Teresa.  Sometimes in the mundane tasks of mission life I remind myself to do it as unto the Lord.  It makes any boring task seem more exciting. :)  

  Monday morning found us scurrying around to help Clarissa get ready for her trip to Nakuru park with the Kisumu youth.  We got veggies and dip ready and foil- wrapped some potatoes for their evening meal.  We also sent brownies. The youth were gone for 2 nights and stayed at a nice lodge in the park.  They reported a very nice time although I don't think they saw as many animals as they were hoping to see.  

  Tuesday was a very interesting day for Wayne and I. Our first visit of the day was at Maurice and Caroline's house.  Someone had told us that they think Caroline is struggling with something so we went to see if we could be of assistance.  I asked Caroline if she is well, and then she opened up and shared what has been bothering her.  It was discovered back in 2014 that she has a tumor.  She feels like it is growing and its causing her pain.  She was quite shy in telling us these things.  She admitted too that she cannot have children because of the tumor.  They don't have funds to do more doctoring.  Of course we are glad to help with this!!  The couple will come up with some of the money but the needs committee at church can also help with the cost.  I only wish that we'd have known about this before!  We prayed with them and asked God for her healing, and that seemed to mean a lot to them.  After that visit we went to widow Helen's house.  The dear lady hadn't been able to sleep well at night because of bed bugs biting her!  Wayne took the sprayer along and as it turned out he ended up spraying 3 houses that were close by.  Oh I wish you could have seen their bedding and "mattresses".  I expect there are very few homes in America that would be satisfied to sleep where these folks do.  The thin foam mats that they sleep on are decrepit to say the least and the blankets are much to be desired.  Wayne sprayed their bedding outside.  Oh it makes a person feel so rich to see how little they actually have!!  And yet they seem happy and content with what they have.  What a challenge!!  Before we got to Helen's house a group of children surrounded us and eagerly reached for the Bible story books that Wayne handed to them.  There was a certain little girl, probably 2 or 3 yrs. old who almost immediately reached for my hand and she stayed right with me.  When we wanted to walk the trail to Helen's house she walked with me and wouldn't let go of my hand.  We visited a number of different people but she (her name is Hope) always hung on to me.  She liked to sit on my lap, touch my face and glasses and look at the pictures in her new book.  She was the sweetest little thing and cute as a button. A few times she let go of me long enough to hold Wayne's hand a bit but she was soon back.  At the one house I watched Maureen mud the floor of their new house.  It smelled like cow dung in there, which is really what it was!  Its regular dirt mixed with cow dung and it makes a nice smooth surface when its done right.  Maureen worked hard and it was fun to see how nice it actually looked when it was nearly done.  At another house we met Jaduong (an old man) who was blind and almost deaf. I had to holler loudly into his ear to tell him my name and he still didn't understand.  He got the drift from those close by that I was a mzungu and he seemed happy about that. He hung onto my hand and kept feeling my arm.  The poor man has a large cyst on his shoulder.  I've never seen anything like it!!!!  Thankfully it doesn't pain him.  The people in that homestead were very thankful to Wayne for spraying the bed bugs!  It was definitely a worthwhile day!  And when we had to leave little Hope looked so sad out of her eyes.  I think she would've come home with us in a heartbeat!  

  I was disappointed that I didn't feel well on Wednesday and couldn't go along to Bible study at Hesbon's house.  Wayne reported that they were served sodas and bread that day.  That's unusual for our church as many of the people could not afford that.  Wayne spent some time on Tues. and Wed. practicing to drive piki piki!!  Lord help us!!  You can really pray for me!  Its been so scary for me to think of Wayne out on these treacherous roads on a motorcycle!  Its so hard for me not to look at those things as "widow makers"!  But I'm trying to just pray and rest in the Lord.  In some ways it certainly is a blessing to have a quick, easy way to get around and I guess its much cheaper than running the vans so much.  

  Friday was spent getting ready for a belated language class supper at our house.  We invited the whole compound here for a meal in celebration of the completion of language for Jakes, Carolyn, and us.  We served baked potatoes, chili, and Mexican meat toppings, as well as broccoli with cheese sauce, and sour cream.  I asked Lavina to bring us some bacon bits when she came home from America so that was GREAT! :)  We also served cabbage salad, bread, and cake and ice cream!  We enjoyed our evening very much.  These people are getting more dear all the time!!  We even had the wonderful blessing of using paper plates and cups!!  Carolyn's brothers brought the plates from America for our special supper.  That was SO nice not to have so many dishes to wash for a change!!  The youth enjoyed their usual volleyball game afterward.  Wayne was also busy on Friday.  He had an interview with several ladies... one was a baptismal interview and the other one is someone who we hope can be restored to full membership if nothing comes up to hinder.  While he was out visiting he met our dear little girl named Hope again!  She was happy to see him and when he picked her up she put her arm around his neck and laid her head on his shoulder. :)

  Saturday was spent getting cleaned up from Fri. night and Clarissa made some yummy kolaches!!  Now we used most of our raspberry pie filling from America, but maybe we can get some more sometime.  They tasted SO good and Nessa and Brad would just "hog" them if they would be allowed!  The girls and I went over to Steve's house a bit in the afternoon to watch Martha and Julie make waffle cones.  It was so interesting! And tonight we plan to eat the cones with ice cream, along with other American goodies that Steve's brought.  We're all invited to Steve's house for the eve. and I can hardly wait! :)

   Our church service this morning was fairly well attended but people come so late.  Wayne gave a little pep talk about that so hopefully it will make a difference.  Sunday school went fairly well.  We ladies were stuck on one verse the whole time.  The verse in 1 Tim. 5 that talks about how its ok to use a bit of wine for the stomach's sake.  In our church at home its something that we would almost skip over because its not an issue there.  But here I need to be VERY careful that this is understood because some of the people would be so glad for an excuse to drink wine.  I tried very hard to be sure they understood that it is only to be used as a medicine.  After church we all, (the whole group) went down the road a bit to Zipro's house.  She attended our church sometimes, but also the catholic church, and some others.  She was epileptic and had huge scars on her face.  I think from falling into the fire sometimes.  She died recently and so we went to visit her family and give them our sympathy.  We sang for them and prayed several times.  Hesbon had a short devotional as well.  It meant a LOT to the family and we were glad we went even though it meant eating lunch very late today.  One of the last memories I have of Zipros was around Christmas time when she gave Wayne and me 3 small eggs wrapped in a dirty cloth.  We could tell it was a gift from her heart and it meant a lot, even though we wished she would keep them since she needed them so much more than we did!  

  God bless you with a good week!!  Thanks for your prayers and support!  Clara

Old "bridge"

Wow! New Bridge.  This one will safely hold cycles

Mama Clara and the children we passed books to.  Notice Hope on the right

Clara and Hope

Hope with her "25 Story Book"

Walking to Widow Helen

Widow Helen in her house. (These houses can be really dark, windows are expensive)

Maureen "smearing" her floor

Meat market we go to in Kisumu

Toyota Kenya in Kisumu.  Kenya is a land of contrasts.

Entrance ramp to the Impala Resort

Impala Lodge here in Kisumu.  One of the young fellows from our church works at this high end resort.

Sitting area in the Lodge

Dining area

Lower level pool area

"Chips" with Jacob at Ahero Market

Hope and friends on Friday

Shonda and Mariah (playing frog)